Junior Leadership retreats to Overton
By Staff
Kim West
HODGES – Lisa Stockton enjoys luring students out of their comfort zones.
Stockton is executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Junior Leadership program for high school juniors from all six schools in the county.
She began taking the students to Overton Farm last year for a day-long retreat that features team-building and leadership exercises, such as a high ropes course and a spider web maze that requires teamwork to complete. This year's group attended the retreat yesterday.
"Some of the students were scared to death of the ropes course, and I didn't realize how many of them had a fear of heights. But nearly everyone completed the course, " said Stockton. "A lot of kids have a comfort zone, and they're never challenged to try new things. So we put the students in different groups and really encourage them to participate in everything."
Stockton has kept the group busy this month. In addition to the retreat, the students also volunteered at the Watermelon Festival last weekend.
"They were great, and they all did an excellent job. They did everything from selling T-shirts and handing out tax forms to vendors to unloading and cutting watermelon," Stockton said. "I like to schedule the retreat the weekend after the festival because some of them might have tickets to a college football game. And high school football hasn't started yet, and the kids haven't spent a full night of getting hit, marching or cheerleading at a game."
She said the retreat also allows the students to get to know each other better.
"It's a bonding experience, and they learn to depend on each other," Stockton said. "I probably enjoy it more than they do, and I think of it as a leadership experience. They probably think of it as a fun day at Overton Farm, but hopefully it will make a lasting impact on them."
A new Junior Leadership class is selected every spring, and all Franklin County high school sophomores in good standing are eligible to apply for the program. For more information, contact Stockton at 332-1760.
